Cofidis Rider Monier Wins Stage 17 of 2010 Giro d'Italia

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Cofidis Rider Monier Wins Stage 17 of 2010 Giro d'Italia

Team Cofidis rider Damien Monier won the 17th stage of the 2010 Giro d'Italia with an attack on the climb to the finish on Wednesday, while Team Caisse d'Epargne's David Arroyo Duran held on to the overall race lead.

Team Cofidis rider Damien Monier won the 17th stage of the 2010 Giro d'Italia with an attack on the climb to the finish on Wednesday, while Team Caisse d'Epargne's David Arroyo Duran held on to the overall race lead.

French rider Monier attacked three kilometers from the line to complete the 173 kilometer (107-mile) run from Brunico to Peio Terme in 4 hours, 29 minutes and 19 seconds and claim his first stage victory on a major tour.

"Yesterday my legs were ok, but today I felt good," Monier commented. "I decided to stay with the lead group as much as possible because I felt I could do something.

"We have had a rider in the lead group for the last few days, so I feel we finally deserved to win."

Danilo Hondo of Germany overtook Dutchman Steven Kruijswijk in the closing stages to take second. The pair had broken away with Monier with five kilometers remaining, but failed to keep up as the Frenchman broke clear.

David Arroyo retains the leader's pink jersey with a total time of 73 hours, 11 minutes and 38 seconds.

The first break came at the 110 kilometer mark when 19 riders broke from the peloton and, despite the humid conditions, managed to open up a lead of 10 minutes.

Daniel Moreno was the first to complete the 1,523-meter (4,996-foot) climb at Passo delle Palade, with Simone Stortoni and Marco Marzano second and third over the peak.

Mikhail Ignatiev made the initial break from the lead pack with 25 kilometers remaining, before eventually being reeled in.

Various riders then took the initiative before Monier made his attack to the finish line.

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